--- title: House Hunting? Don't Ignore These 5 Open House Red Flags description: Spot hidden problems before you buy a home! Learn 5 red flags at open houses that every homebuyer should watch for. image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/blog-image-uploads/ITI%20House%20Hunting%3F%20Dont%20Ignore%20These%20Five%20Open%20House%20Red%20Flags.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # House Hunting? Don't Ignore These 5 Open House Red Flags ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) September 25, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) [Home Buying](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/home-buying) ## House Hunting? Don't Ignore These 5 Open House Red Flags Think you know how to spot red flags when you’re shopping open houses?  Finding hidden problems beneath pretty exteriors is challenging and a skill that improves over time, especially if you’re a first-time [home buyer](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-101/). You’ll be matching wits with a professional real estate team that likely includes a savvy home stager who expertly highlights the house’s best features.  Before searching “[open houses near me](https://www.militarybyowner.com/open-houses/)” and planning weekend visits, it’s helpful to have a short list of red flags to watch for. They’ll help you avoid bigger problems after you’ve become a proud new homeowner. ![Couple holding baby stand in nice kitchen of empty house talking to female real estate professional wearing a black skirt. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Home_Buying-Selling/ITI%20House%20Hunting%3F%20Dont%20Ignore%20These%20Five%20Open%20House%20Red%20Flags%202.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%20House%20Hunting%3F%20Dont%20Ignore%20These%20Five%20Open%20House%20Red%20Flags%202.jpg)*Photo by Monkey Business Images via Canva.com* ## Quick Fix Home Decor: When a Pretty Surface Hides Problems Sellers want to maximize profit, often spending just enough on upgrades to boost the sale price. Watch for budget-conscious fixes that may conceal more than you bargain for. ### 1. Slapdash Paint Fresh paint on doors, windows, or wood trim can be a red flag. Peeling paint can be an indication of dry rot and general poor home maintenance. If there’s a concern about dry rot or any other wood malady, ask to see the termite bond. It should include regular inspections, typically conducted annually.  A thorough home inspection will uncover more than peeling paint. Here’s what you need to know: [11 Common Issues Found During Home Inspections](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/11-common-issues-found-during-home-inspections).  ### 2. Rugs and…Water? Are there one too many rugs covering an area? There’s probably a reason. Go ahead and peek underneath. You may find that they’re simply concealing discoloration, which isn’t a big deal, particularly if you can simply cover it with a rug yourself. However, if you find that the rugs are hiding large stains, that could indicate water damage, which might suggest anything from plumbing issues to structural problems. Never underestimate a small leak.  There’s more money involved than just a property’s purchase price. Have you considered the costs of flood insurance? [What Military Homeowners and Renters Should Know About Flood Insurance ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/what-military-homeowners-and-renters-should-know-about-flood-insurance)answers your questions.  ### 3. The Smell of Flowers, Baked Goodies, and Candles Flowers, candles, and baked goods can make a home feel welcoming. But if it’s over the top [during an open house](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/what-you-can-and-cant-ignore-at-an-open-house), something may be hidden.When visiting, if it seems that the real estate agent put out just a few too many flowers and candles, you may want to consider what scent they are trying to conceal. If it’s a damp, musky scent, that could indicate mold. Other strong scents include pet odors, which are incredibly difficult to remove from a property. In this situation, ask for another showing of the property, but this time, minus the scents.  Looking for an open house near you? Click the image below to see MilitaryByOwner's Open House calendar.  [![blue bar with white text that reads Open Houses hashtag militarybyownerhomes](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/543605fc-f20c-4399-b16e-684bf6273e56.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/543605fc-f20c-4399-b16e-684bf6273e56) ## The Overlooked Backyard ### 4. Cracks in the Walls Cracks in exterior or interior walls might indicate normal structural swelling or settling—or serious foundation problems. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover this kind of damage, so you’ll face an expensive problem right after becoming the owner. Take note of any type of crack in the exterior and interior, and ensure a home inspector documents their opinion on the issue. In [Why You Need a Home Inspection](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/why-you-need-a-home-inspection/), you’ll learn why overlooking cracks in the wall may cost you thousands.  ### 5. Drainage Issues Poor drainage can lead to foundation problems and expensive landscaping repairs. To check for this, first, inspect the exterior ground edge of the property. Notice if pipes look like they’re in place (it’ll be pretty obvious if they aren’t), and see if the ground appears unusually soggy, particularly in the areas where pipes meet the ground.  Next, walk the lawn for soggy spots, and note the land’s grading relative to the house. - Backyard higher than the house? Water may pool around the foundation during heavy rainfall. - House higher than the backyard? The elevation difference can eventually cause soil erosion. Take note of these issues. They could cost you thousands, if not more, in landscaping expenses that involve backyard enhancements like trenches. ## Keep Your Eyes on the Details While it’s easy to [fall for a home’s charm ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/avoid-these-emotional-mistakes-when-buying-a-home)while touring an open house, don’t let it distract you. If a property seems promising, make a list of concerns, discuss them with your real estate agent, and schedule a professional home inspection. This ensures you uncover the hidden realities before making a decision. ### Want more house hunting guidance and practical tips? Get our free guide below. [![dark blue background with yellow box and text about house hunting. Tablet and iphone images of househunting ebook from MilitaryByOwner and text on how to download Finding Your New Home: Househunting Tips and Mistakes to Avoid](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/a4bfb0dc-588a-4e31-944e-c7d591d5b363.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/a4bfb0dc-588a-4e31-944e-c7d591d5b363) ![Three photos of a couple looking at house/open house to buy with text, House Hunting? Dont Ignore These Five Open House Red Flags](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/House%20Hunting%3F%20Dont%20Ignore%20These%20Five%20Open%20House%20Red%20Flags.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=House%20Hunting%3F%20Dont%20Ignore%20These%20Five%20Open%20House%20Red%20Flags.jpg) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/house-hunting-dont-ignore-these-5-open-house-red-flags) ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) #### Author ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) Dawn M. Smith has made a career out of being a relocation pro. As a military spouse with 10+ moves under her belt, she's evolved from a reluctant mover to a master of converting cardboard box mountain nightmares into customized homes. She's constantly updating her skills to improve all aspects of moving. Her specialties include strategic (with a dose of luck) house hunting, home buying, selling, and renting, and attempting to create Pinterest-worthy spaces within landlord-approved decorating. When not decoding neighborhood demographics for readers, Dawn teaches companies how to serve military families and their best interests. She also travels and explores historic districts with her family, always scouting her next possible address after Army retirement. In addition to MilitaryByOwner, Dawn's relocation advice has appeared in Angi, The Spruce, Forbes Home Advisor, the PODS Blog, and Military OneSource. ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. 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